Comments on: Ask Adam: Are There Any Bargains Left in Arlington?

By: Lee-n-Glebe

Lee-n-Glebe — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 16:45:38 +0000

Of course, increasing the pool of qualified home buyers drives up home prices.

By: bman

bman — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:10:31 +0000

i am consistently amazed at the original question…people always want something for nothing. Limited number of resources, and more people chasing the same thing.

By: bman

bman — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:07:33 +0000

we already had no down payments, look where that got us. Once down payment goes up again, the music stops playing and people are trapped again.
Same problem when interest rates will go up.

By: Greg

Greg — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 01:57:50 +0000

In case you were wondering why people don’t put as much credence in an MBA as you do…

By: Greg

Greg — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 01:56:19 +0000

One more thing: the pool of buyers can (and will) be expanded by the increasing number of renters who decide to buy once they can afford a house and families moving from DC. There are a LOT of people in their mid-late 20s and early 30s who are looking to become 1st time condo/homebuyers in Arlington. As long as the local economy remains strong and interest rates remain low, there will be more buyers each year.

By: Greg

Greg — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 01:53:32 +0000

Rates are already below 3.5%. I got an email from PenFed that they’re offering 3.125% 30 year fixed.

By: Greg

Greg — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 01:51:28 +0000

A word of caution regarding coops and older buildings. The fees may be in excess of $1,000 a month, which is why it’s going for so little. You see that a lot in older buildings in Crystal City. Look into their reserve fund, planned improvements, and the general condition of the building, as well. I’m not a real estate expert and that list isn’t exhaustive but learned enough before making a huge mistake.

By: R. Griffon

R. Griffon — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 01:41:48 +0000

No, what got us here was primarily the deregulation of financial markets and questionable lending practices, augmented by fairly steady economic expansion coupled with record low interest rates.

By: janedough

janedough — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:38:33 +0000

nice…..subtle, not condescending….

By: Wordsmith

Wordsmith — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 21:51:47 +0000

sponsored past participle, past tense of spon·sor (Verb)
Verb

Provide funds for (a project or activity or the person carrying it out).
Pay some or all of the costs involved in staging (a sporting or artistic event) in return for advertising.